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Electors MUST Prove Their Identity and Address When They Vote

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 14, 2008) - The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Marc Mayrand, would like to inform electors about the various ways they may prove their identity and address, in accordance with the new voter identification requirements of the Canada Elections Act.

"This represents a significant change in the way Canadians vote," said Mr. Mayrand. "All electors must now prove their identity and address when they vote. The law provides electors with three options, recognizing that individuals might not possess certain pieces of identification."

Electors may choose any of these three options:

Provide one original piece of identification issued by a government or government agency showing the elector's photo, name and address. (e.g.: driver's licence)

or

Provide two original pieces of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada. Both pieces must show the elector's name and one must also show his or her address. (e.g.: health card and hydro bill)

or

Swear an oath and be vouched for by a registered elector who is on the list of electors in the same polling division and who has an acceptable piece or pieces of identification. (e.g.: a neighbour or roommate)

Note that some identification documents used at provincial and municipal elections may not meet requirements at the federal level. The Canada Elections Act requires that all electors provide proof of identity and address.

Federal by-elections will be held in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, Toronto Centre, Vancouver Quadra and Willowdale on Monday, March 17, 2008.

IMPORTANT!

All electors must meet new voter identification requirements. For more information on the options available to electors, visit www.elections.ca.